Mirella Pandjaitan
Nov 19, 2025
Taipei is a city that hums with quiet magic. Mention its name and you may imagine night markets glowing under red lanterns, mist drifting over green mountains, and streets where futuristic convenience intertwines seamlessly with ancient tradition. Taipei has long captured the hearts of wanderers, artists, and curious travellers who come seeking its gentle rhythm, its warmth, and its endless treasures tucked between temples, alleyways, and towering glass buildings.
Here, you can sip oolong tea high above the city, stroll through tranquil riverside parks, and lose yourself in the fragrant swirl of street-food stalls that perfume the air. Taipei shines with its own unique soul—welcoming, modern, yet deeply connected to its cultural roots.
Clearing the air — Taiwan, Taipei, and beyond
Before you pack your bags, it’s worth clearing up a common bit of confusion: Taiwan is an island nation in East Asia, known for its lush mountains, friendly locals, dynamic food culture, and cutting-edge industries; Taipei, its capital, sits in the island’s north and serves as the cultural, economic, and political heart of the country.
Surrounded by mountains and two major rivers, Taipei’s geography has given it an intriguing blend of urban energy and easy access to the countryside. Getting around is wonderfully simple due to its MRT networks and intercity trains, making Taipei the perfect launch pad for unforgettable day trips.
Layers of history in every step
Taipei’s story is one built on centuries of transformation. Once home to Indigenous Taiwanese groups such as the Ketagalan people, the region later saw waves of settlement and change under Qing rule, Japanese occupation, and eventually the formation of modern Taiwan. Each era left behind its own architectural fingerprints: red-brick colonial buildings, wooden Japanese-era dormitories, ornate temples, and contemporary skyscrapers.
The city has weathered political shifts, natural challenges, and rapid modernisation. Wander its neighbourhoods and you’ll feel those layers beneath your feet.
Make Taipei your base
Using Taipei as your home base means you’re perfectly positioned to explore Taiwan’s northern wonders. With one of the world’s most efficient public transport systems—trains, buses, and MRT lines weaving across the city—you can slip away to mountain towns, waterfalls, ocean viewpoints, or riverside old streets in under an hour or two.
After each day’s adventures, you return to the comforting embrace of Taipei: steaming bowls of beef noodle soup, lively night markets, soothing hot-spring baths, and a city that never loses its warmth.
6 Best day trips from Taipei
Ready to wander outside of Taipei’s borders? Surrender to the charm of mountainside towns, coastal gems, and atmospheric villages waiting just beyond the capital. These escapes blend nature, history, culture, and whimsy — perfect for travellers looking to see a softer, slower side of Taiwan.
We’ve handpicked six standout journeys for your next dreamy day trip.
Jiufen
Perched atop misty hills east of Taipei, Jiufen feels like a scene from a dream covered in narrow alleyways glowing with lanterns, tea houses perched over dramatic coastal views, and the soft perfume of taro balls and herbal tea drifting through the air. Once a prosperous gold-mining town, Jiufen now charms visitors with its nostalgic atmosphere and cinematic beauty. At times, it feels as though you’ve stepped into a fantastical world of winding staircases, hidden corners, and timeless stories.
Go to the century-old A-Mei Tea House filled with red lanterns and wooden balconies. Then, stroll around Jiufen Old Street, a maze of shops, eateries, and traditional storefronts. Jiufen Jie Jiao Traditional Diner is somewhere you’d want to grab dumplings, a cold brew, and soak in sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
Getting there: Take a northbound train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station (30 minutes by express). From Ruifang, turn left outside the station and hop on Bus 827 or 788 for 20 minutes.
Pingxi Line
Step back in time aboard the Pingxi Rail Line, a historic 13km railway interlacing through lush valleys, waterfalls, and nostalgic old towns. Whether you’re releasing a sky lantern into the heavens, visiting the cat-themed village in Houtong, or hiking between verdant landscapes, the Pingxi Line promises gentle adventure and timeless charm.
Don’t forget to trek to a 20-metre cascade surrounded by rainforest known as Shifen Waterfall or Taiwan’s “Little Niagara”. Houtong Cat Village is home to hundreds of cats and plenty of feline-themed cafés and shops, perfect if you’re a cat lover. Or, write your wishes and watch them float skyward in Shifen or Pingxi.
Getting there: Your journey will likely begin in Ruifang, easily accessible from Taipei. Take a train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station for at least 30 to 50 minutes, depending on train type. From there, purchase a one-day Pingxi Line pass and hop on and off freely.
Ruifang District
For something playful and scenic, head to the Shen’ao Rail Bike, Taiwan’s first seaside rail bike route. Pedal along 1.3km of coastline on a colourful buggy, passing ocean views, mountain silhouettes, and even a glowing, ocean-themed light tunnel. Nearby sits Capybara Rock, formerly known as Elephant Trunk Rock. It was named because its shape is uncannily similar to the laid-back South American animal.
Getting there: From Taipei, take Bus 1579 (boarding points include Taipei City Hall Bus Station) directly to Badouzi Station, the easiest starting point. The journey takes just under 1 hour.
Tamsui
At the end of the Tamsui–Xinyi MRT line sits Tamsui, a historic riverside town where old-world charm meets seaside breeze. Once an important port, Tamsui still carries echoes of its multicultural past, with influences from European explorers, missionaries, and Japanese settlers.
Eat your way through Old Street, where a lively mix of food stalls, handicraft shops, and riverside snacks are laid out. Wander into centuries-old forts like the striking red-brick fortress dating back to the 17th century called Fort San Domingo. Then, take a boat across the river to Fisherman’s Wharf. Sunset here? Absolutely gorgeous.
Getting there: Simply take the Taipei Metro Red Line to Tamsui Station. The journey from Taipei Main Station takes around 40 minutes.
Wulai
Just south of Taipei lies Wulai, a town famous for hot springs, Atayal Indigenous culture, waterfalls, and riverside beauty. It’s a perfect day trip for travellers seeking nature, relaxation, and something a little quieter than Taipei’s neon glow. Explore leafy trails, ride the charming Wulai Scenic Train, and glide up the cable car.
Enjoy traditional Atayal dishes along Wulai Old Street, a short but lively strip filled with local crafts, smoked meats, bamboo-tube rice, and Indigenous snacks. Wulai Scenic Train is a former logging railway that now ferries visitors up to Wulai Falls without the uphill hike. And of course, soaking in a steaming hot spring—free public pools or luxurious hotel spas—is a must.
Getting there: From Xindian MRT Station, take Bus 849 directly to Wulai Terminal Station. The ride is about 40 minutes, and Wulai Old Street is a short walk from the stop.
Yingge
Just 30 minutes from Taipei, Yingge is Taiwan’s ceramics capital—a haven of pottery workshops, artisan studios, and beautifully curated museums. Whether you want to shop for handmade teapots, learn about Taiwan’s art heritage, or even blow your own glass piece, Yingge invites creative exploration.
Yingge Old Street and Ceramics Street are lined with pottery shops and local ateliers. The Yingge Ceramics Museum showcases breathtaking ceramic art and a sprawling outdoor garden. Meanwhile, the New Taipei City Art Museum is a striking architectural landmark with a quirky weekend-open observatory. Check out the fun themed stop, Pompompurin 7-Eleven, that’s a short bus ride away.
Getting there: Trains depart frequently from Taipei Main Station—up to nine times an hour. The ride takes about 30 minutes.